A BRITISH tourist who died in police custody in Dubai choked on his own vomit, the Gulf emirate’s attorney-general said last night.

Lee Brown, 39, was arrested after being accused of physically and verbally abusing a female member of staff at the luxury Burj Al Arab hotel, the local authorities said.

He died on Tuesday amid claims that officers punched and kicked him during his time in custody at Bur Dubai police station.

Dubai attorney-general Issam Al Humaidan said a post-mortem examination found Mr Brown’s death was caused by suffocation, after vomit leaked into his respiratory tract.

Offering condolences to the Briton’s family, he stressed in a statement that police in the Emirate dealt with prisoners with respect and were “governed by the highest standards to preserve human rights”.

British diplomats and human rights campaigners demanded a thorough investigation into the tragedy.

Mr Brown’s family in Dagenham, east London, were told he had allegedly suffered severe beatings in custody after another prisoner found their contact details on a photocopy of his passport left in a cell, a newspaper reported.

His relatives contacted the British Embassy in Dubai with their concerns about his safety.

Mr Brown was said to be on a last-minute holiday at the Burj Al Arab, which describes itself as “the world’s most luxurious hotel” and where room prices start at more than £1,000 a night.

Hotel operator Jumeirah Group said in a statement: “We are aware of this issue and understand it is being handled by the relevant authorities. We therefore have no further comment.”

Dubai police said Mr Brown had no bruises or marks indicating an assault when he died, according to The National newspaper in neighbouring Abu Dhabi.

An unnamed police official told the paper: “These reports in the media that he was beaten by police are a pack of lies.”

The official added that the British tourist began vomiting the day before his death, but did not complain or ask for medical help.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “We can confirm that Lee Brown died on April 12 while in police custody. Our thoughts are with Mr Brown's family at this very difficult time.

“The Consul General has spoken directly to the Dubai police at the highest level on a number of times to stress the importance of a full investigation.

“The police have assured us that they are investigating and we are remaining in close touch with them.”

Amnesty International urged the United Arab Emirates authorities to ensure their investigation is “full, thorough and independent”.

Tim Hancock, the human rights group’s UK campaigns director, said: “We are told that if a police officer is found to have broken the law, he will face justice. Amnesty International welcomes this assurance.”